What are the benefits and downsides of bone marrow? Can it be overconsumed? Does the species of source animal matter?

Bone marrow is delicious, and n=1, if a pound of marrow could be obtained, I believe I would feel very good eating a copious amount of it.

Are there thoughts and forays into what the particular benefits of it might be? Bone health? Marrow health? Teeth? Immune system health? Nutrients?

An old PaleoHacks post suggests that it might be somewhat high in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Are these particular polyunsaturated fatty acids a concern? Should there be a ceiling on bone marrow consumption?

Would it vary by animal?

And, why? Please cite scientific information (or mention as much of source of knowledge as possible) if possible.

Bonus: Where might one obtain marrow, by itself? Or, is it best consumed proportional to the bones one uses for broths, stocks, bone meal, etc., or in moderation?

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Answers

Bone marrow is an extremely delicious 'superfood' that our ancestors undoubtedly enjoyed. It???s fatty with a bit of protein and loads of minerals.

As I understand it, 3 oz of beef marrow contains roughly 488 calories, 51 grams of fat (mostly monounsaturated) and 7g protein. Pretty high calorie content -- so I wouldn't go eating a vast amount of the stuff unless you're trying to gain weight. It's pretty satiating though, so I doubt you could eat too much of the stuff before feeling full.

Animal product is the best, densest source of fat-soluble vitamins around. Liver, heart, brains etc are paleo staples because of what they offer in terms of nutrition and the various bioavailable micronutrients. Marrow fulfills many roles. It???s made of osteoblasts (which form bone cells using minerals), adipocytes (fat cells), fibroblasts (which form connective tissue), and osteoclasts (which are responsible for bone resorption). Sounds pretty amazing.

I haven't seen any detailed info about the mineral/vitamin content of bone marrow, but with all of the things that it is involved in, I would think it's pretty awesome.

I wouldn't go only eating marrow every day for the rest of my life (hmmmm...), but I think consuming it on a semi-regular basis (as long as it's fresh + grassfed) is excellent practice.